After losing the toss, the visitors reached 160-4 thanks to captain Heather Knight’s elegant 63 from just 39 balls and Maia Bouchier’s undefeated 43.
Suzie Bates, the captain of the White Ferns, scored 65 in response, but they were only able to muster 133-5 due to a lack of middle order support.
With a 2-29 showing, seamer Lauren Bell was the standout of England’s impressive bowling display.
Despite the absence of vital players Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt, Sophie Ecclestone, and Alice Capsey for the first three Twenty20 internationals due to conflicts with the conclusion of the Women’s Premier League in India, England’s success was nevertheless noteworthy.
Before an exciting partnership of 91 between Knight and Bouchier powered England to their competitive score, fellow opener Sophia Dunkley hit a dashing 32 from 24 balls.
On a flat surface, New Zealand battled valiantly with the ball but struggled in the field, losing three catches and failing to stump the opposition.
